| The present study explores six emerging adults' experiences with serious illness. The aim of the study is to understand the impact of serious illness on emerging adults and examine emerging adults' potential for posttraumatic growth. Six participants between the ages of 21--25 with serious illnesses were interviewed a minimum of one year following their diagnoses. A grounded theory methodology was used to identify themes related to participants' experiences with illness. Fifteen themes emerged throughout participants' narratives and were categorized within three phases of illness, including Initial Stages of Illness, Living with Illness, and Current Perspectives and Reflections. Findings indicate that participants' experiences of serious illness include themes that are consistent with the literature on serious illness in adolescence and adulthood. Those themes that emerged that were not consistent with the literature may indicate experiences that are specific to the developmental phase of emerging adulthood. All participants identified positive growth experiences resulting from their struggles, including personal changes, relationships with others, increased compassion for others, changes in relationships, and changes in life perspectives. This finding suggests that these emerging adults, similar to other populations, may be able to achieve posttraumatic growth. Findings from this study can hopefully provide clinicians with greater knowledge, awareness, and enriched understanding of how to most effectively work with emerging adults who encounter serious illness. |
